A wine- or spirits-dispensing device or optic is provided with signal-generating means, for example a spaced infra-red emitting diode (28) and phototransistor with an interrupter (25), movable by the valve mechanism (11). A signal is thus generated every time a measure of wine or spirits is dispensed, thus enabling a count to be kept. Preferably the air vent valve (18), which admits air to the measuring chamber (10) to allow liquid to flow out into a drinking glass beneath the device, is used to operate the signal-generating means. A second signal may be generated by breaking electrical connections when removing the device from a support stand, thus enabling the number of bottles used to be counted. The invention also provides apparatus comprising a central counting unit with memories and a plurality of signal-generating devices associated with optics and/or beer-metering pumps.
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